Bukayo Saka has sent a message of thanks to Tottenham and the club’s supporters after the reception he received in a pre-season friendly game against Arsenal.
Saka made his return to club football action after spending the summer with England at the European Championships and Tottenham fans put their rivalries aside to welcome him back.
It was the Arsenal player’s first match since he was racially abused after missing the decisive penalty in England’s penalty shootout defeat against Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
There were no away fans in the Tottenham Stadium and supporters could even be heard loudly greeting the Arsenal player on the pitch.
Spurs supporters also unveiled a banner which read ‘North London stands with Bukayo Saka and all players against racism and discrimination’ in a classy move from the club.
Tottenham’s social media team also posted the video of Saka being substituted on in the second half with the caption: ‘Rivalries aside. What a moment this was this afternoon.’
Bukayo Saka saw the clip and posted a response to all the support he received on his social media account. He posted on his Instagram stories: ‘So much respect for this, Thank you.’
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However, The match ended in defeat for Saka and Arsenal. And Son Heung-Min was the only goalscorer, converting home after Japhet Tanganga took advantage of some poor Arsenal defending.
